Friday, September 26, 2014

On Thursday afternoons Liam and I have started going to the park while Anne is in ballet. It's our time to just hang out and see who we meet. Now that the weather is finally in the 80's for highs it's actually pleasant to go!

This boy absolutely loves being outside! He is happiest when he can run around exploring and finding new things to play on...and that makes me happy too! I'm currently trying to plan a fall camping trip for us. Do you know of any really great places? I'm thinking of the north Alabama area, but it doesn't have to be. I really just want to feel like I'm in the mountains and soak up some outdoor time without driving 8 hours to get there. You know what I mean?

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Yesterday, Anne had her class chapel program. One of my favorite things about SJDS is that these kids get SO many opportunities to be on stage. This program was a patriotic theme. I was so proud of Anne and all the kids. They knew their lines and sang so well!

I can't help but get a little weepy at all of these programs...but a patriotic one really gets me! I feel so proud of our country. I know it isn't perfect, but I think we still need to teach our children to have pride. It's only gonna be as good as we make it!!!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

I saw this quote floating around over this weekend, and I must say it's one of my favorites.

I think it's natural to compare ourselves to one another. I think that it can be a good thing, but most of the time it's not. At least not for me. I compare myself to a fault.

My house is never as clean as . My blog isn't nearly as interesting as . I'm not as good a teacher as . Just put a name in the blank and you see what I mean.

At times these comparisons can totally steal my joy. They make me feel worthless and jealous.

But then God will gently remind me of the oh so many things I do have to be thankful for. I'm reminded that I'm a daughter of the King and He loves me for who I am and who I'm striving to be. I am reminded that He is the only one I should be interested in pleasing.
And it feels good to rest there.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Today after church we came home to a pork tenderloin that had been in the crock pot for about 8 hours. I used this recipe and it was delicious! So far, we're doing well on our no eating out this month! After lunch, Michael was headed to the office to get some work done and I was left with a super messy kitchen. I wanted to just lay on the couch, but Anne said we should just get it over with. Sometimes seven year olds can be the voice of wisdom. I started and just couldn't stop. Even the trash can, the wall beside Liam's high chair, and all the chairs got a good cleaning! And then I mopped. Now I'm happy...at least until dinnertime!

I think if I could have anything, it would be a maid. There just aren't enough hours in the day nor do I have the energy to keep my house in the state that I'd like it to be. I know most of you understand that feeling. You always hear "take a picture, it'll last longer." So here's a picture of my clean kitchen. I must say, it will definitely last longer!

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

For the most part, this three day weekend has been awful. The stomach virus landed in our house and everyone but me got it. I was very thankful for that! The kids got it mildly but Michael was pretty much down all weekend. By Monday he was finally on the mend and we made a quick trip to Hattiesburg to Sam's and then to the grocery store. I'm trying to focus on preparing crockpot meals this month. Do you have any wonderful crockpot meals to share? I pretty much only use it for roasts.

AND we're trying to not eat out at all this month. I know it's hard to quit something cold turkey, but I'm an all or nothing kinda gal. We've just been stuck in the "let's pick something up because I'm too tired to cook mode." Not only is that dangerous on the pocket book, it's also not a very healthy choice for us. I started going to spin classes last month and am surprised by how much I love it. I am going at 5:15 am which is the only time available in my day for a workout. Hoping that healthy meal planning will help me start seeing some results!